The Venezuelan constitution states that if the president dies or is disabled, new elections will be held

Chavez’ supporters praying for his recovery.

17.4 million Venezuelans go to the polls today to vote in regional elections and elect the governors of the 23 states of Venezuela and the Members of the Legislative and Regional Councils.

The ruling party (Chavista) hopes for a shutout thus gaining more than the 15 states that already have in their possession.

The opposition on the other hand, at the head of Henrique Capriles, says they will repeat the victory in their trenches, which are the richest states in the country: Miranda (center), Zulia (west). The state of Monagas (southeast) is the only one on independent hands.

Because of the possibility that Chavez cannot afford a third term on January 10,the ruling party hopes to demonstrate its strength, without the presence of the president and ensure the election of Nicolas Maduro as the new President of Venezuela, when new elections are called for as determined by the Constitution.

In that scenario without Chavez, with new presidential elections, the opposition candidate would be Henrique Capriles once again.